For the Workplace
Empathy
Sensing the emotions of others and responding with care
Empathy enriches a workplace by improving understanding and communication.
When people tune into the emotions and experiences of others, conflict decreases and cooperation increases. Empathy creates a culture where people feel heard, valued, and supported.
Essay
Empathy in Virtual Meetings
By Jill Tomey
Before the pandemic, I regularly held virtual video meetings at work. Those early years of the technology were wonderfully convenient but woefully fraught with miscommunication and misunderstanding. The meetings were usually hybrid, with 1 or 2 of us on our end, meeting with a roomful of people at another company location. The meeting-room camera focused on a PowerPoint screen or the most senior person in the room. We could hear the other participants' responses, but we couldn’t pick up on the feelings in how they spoke. Were they grinning and making a joke, or were they frustrated and being silly? Without these clues, we couldn’t respond with Empathy or accuracy. Often participants in the room dominated the conversation, leaving remote participants feeling left out. Technical friction such as video delays or audio issues created gaps in the meeting where key points could have been missed. Both sides could leave a meeting feeling unheard and unconnected.
As we worked through using the technology, we learned how to be more empathetic and do it better. We started meetings with brief sharing to increase personal connection. A beginning check-in made sure everyone had the necessary meeting materials and resolved any technical glitches. Equal visibility put all participants on equal footing when everyone was on their own camera in their own workspace rather than a roomful of people using one. We discussed ways to emphasize intentional listening to detect the deeper feelings and gave everyone permission to ask discerning questions if feelings were ambiguous.
Using Empathy to increase emotional transparency, we were able to increase our sense of belonging and trust despite the distance, making our virtual meetings feel safe and familiar. Meetings were more productive and impactful. We could regularly feel heard and connected.
How can attention to Empathy improve your virtual meetings?
Affirmations for the Workplace
I stay curious about others’ perspectives before responding.
I take time to imagine what a situation might feel like for someone else.
I approach situations with openness rather than judgement.
I look for shared goals, values, and experiences that connect me with others.
I appreciate my teammates' unique gifts and perspectives that make us stronger.
Empathy Resource Library
The Links below will take you to Resources you can use in the workplace to encourage the Character Quality of Empathy.
Empathy Quotes
Looking for reminders that Empathy makes a difference? Explore the full collection of Empathy Quotes and find the perfect line to share, post, or spark a conversation.
